What's the news?

Following on from the 2012 concept car (pictured), Audi has confirmed that it will put a new plug-in hybrid version of the Audi A6 into production in China, in conjunction with its joint venture partner there, FAW. Naturally, it'll use the China-only long wheelbase (LWB) platform and the new car is likely to carry 'e-tron' badging.

The LWB A6 is only available in China anyway, so choosing it as the basis for the e-tron model makes sense. Final specifications are yet to be set in stone but the plug-in hybrid variant will use a petrol engine with electric back-up, as per the A3 e-tron, with a latest-generation lithium-ion battery mounted to the rear. The A6 e-tron is said to be capable of over 30 miles on battery power alone, and will be built in the FAW-Volkswagen joint venture factory in Changchun, northern China.

Audi says it is the first manufacturer to fit all of its models produced in China with start-stop and kinetic energy recovery systems, reducing the average fuel consumption of its cars built there by 20 per cent since 2011. Zhang Pijie, president of FAW-Volkswagen, said: "Audi and FAW have been cooperating closely for more than 25 years. Together, we have built up the premium segment in China. Now we are co-operating on the next generation of automobiles."

Anything else?

Among other hybrid models, Audi already offers Chinese customers an imported version of the A6 2.0 TFSI Hybrid, with 245hp, combined economy of 45.6mpg and CO₂ emissions of just 145g/km, although this one can cover just 1.8 miles in full EV mode. Presumably, the new A6 e-tron will massively improve on these already-impressive eco stats.